7 Affordable Gift Ideas for Employees and Subcontractors this Holiday Season

November 28, 2018 By Sabrina Quairoli This post may contain affiliate links. Under the Cookies and Policies in the menu above, read the Disclosure Policies and Cookies page for more details.

This time of year, we business owners want to share the appreciation we have for our employees and subcontractor staff. But, what do we give them? Finding the right affordable gift idea to give others can be difficult. Looking place to place trying to find something that is thoughtful and shows how much you appreciate them can take you a long time to find.

Seven affordable gift ideas to give staff this year

Fake or real succulent plant that requires little to no watering

A real or fake plant is always a great gift for a staff member. It can be for someone who works from home or in an office environment. A splash of green in an office makes the room more comfortable and less sterile. Below I am sharing a plant gift I found on Amazon(affiliate). Feel free to click on it to purchase it.

Wireless or corded Earbuds

We all use earbuds. Whether it is wireless, with or without a microphone, we can use an extra pair of earbuds. They are a useful gift for any colleague. Click on the earbuds below from Amazon(affiliate).

Homemade dishes, plates, or cutting boards

Finding a store that offers engravings where you can customize a product for your employee/staff member is a great gift idea. Adding a first name, nickname or initials can be a fun way to give something more meaningful. Find something small that can be placed in the office or their home and customize it for a particular person means you took some time to pick out and decide on what to write. It does mean a lot. Below are gift ideas I found on Amazon (affiliate).

Customize a mug for a staff member

There are lots of mugs to choose from in this collection from Amazon. Maybe you want to add their name, their favorite sport, their favorite photo, their family picture, or anything else. Think about what that person’s favorite hobbies are and pick a phrase or photo that would relate to their hobbies.

Give Lunch for them and their family

You can give your staff and their family an in-office party if you want. Getting the whole event catered or cooking yourself to save money works. Either way, people do appreciate a free meal.

Some companies offer their employees a free dinner on them. Giving gift cards for restaurants or reimbursing them may be an option for you and your business. Be sure to check with your accountant to make sure you are allowed to do this type of gift idea. You may or may not be able to use it as a tax deduction. You also may have to include it as income on your employees’ paystubs. Get more information before doing this one.

Grocery store gift cards

This one is tricky too. Giving any form of gift cards is considered a fringe benefit. Read more about it here on this post I found. If you want to give them anyway to your staff, be sure you understand how to track this gift in your accounts. Talk with your accountant first.

Wine and beer artisan types

I found that giving wine and beer is kind and appreciative only to people that drink it. Consider buying artisan types for unique flavors. While some people like dark beers or red wines and others like lighter beers and white wines, make sure you know exactly what the recipient likes before purchasing. Taking a few seconds and asking the staff member what they like will make the gift that much more meaningful.

Sending beer and wine in Pennsylvania is an issue. But other states may be OK with mailing alcohol. Be sure to check with your state and the recipient’s state before choosing to send anything.

Well, there you have it. Whatever you choose to give to your staff, make it a thoughtful gift instead of a common one. Showing how much you appreciate them is essential. After all, they support you and your business success, give them the courtesy of your time. Hope you have a wonderful holiday!

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I love to help small business owners make their work and home life more organized and effective to speed up actions and minimize costs. I own and write for Sabrina's Admin Services and Sabrina's Organizing Blogs. Feel free to read more about me...